By Trimmel Gomes, Florida News Connection
In Summary:
Pelvic organ prolapse affects millions of women, yet misconceptions about aging and urinary symptoms prevent many from seeking medical care. Urogynecologists say symptoms such as pelvic pressure, a vaginal bulge, and urine leakage should not be considered a normal part of aging. Experts encourage women to discuss symptoms with their healthcare providers because treatment options range from pelvic floor therapy to same-day minimally invasive surgery.
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Millions of women are living with pelvic organ prolapse, according to a new survey, and many do not know the condition is treatable.
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Untreated prolapse can lead to complications, including kidney damage.
Dr. Nyarai Mushonga, a double board-certified urogynecologist and reconstructive pelvic surgeon at Florida Medical Clinic, Orlando Health, said the condition is more common than many people realize.
“The pelvic floor has a combination of organs, which include your bladder, your uterus, vagina, and rectum,” Mushonga said. “When you're experiencing symptoms like increased pressure, feeling a bulge, feeling like something is coming out of your vagina, that can be indicative of a prolapse.”
The Orlando Health survey found that 50% of women incorrectly believe urine leakage is a normal part of aging. It also found that about one-third think prolapse only affects women over 60 and do not know surgery is an option.
Women can find relief through pelvic floor physical therapy, with specialty clinics available across the state at health systems such as UF Health and Orlando Health.
Mushonga said both nonsurgical and surgical treatments are available, and the goal is to help women get back to their lives.
“We have great, minimally invasive procedures that truly allow the patients to go home the same day and recover in an amount of time that's a lot faster than before,” she said. “I see my patients after a month and they look great. They feel great. They tell me they felt like themselves after a week or two.”
For patients with severe prolapse, Mushonga performs a minimally invasive procedure using stitches and a mesh graft to secure the pelvic floor.
She said strengthening core and pelvic floor muscles can help, and encourages women to speak up. Even though the condition is common, she said, women do not have to live with it.
Key Points:
- A new survey found that many women are unaware that pelvic organ prolapse is a common and treatable medical condition.
- Half of the respondents incorrectly believed urine leakage is a normal part of aging.
- Untreated pelvic organ prolapse can lead to serious complications, including kidney damage.
- Treatment options include pelvic floor physical therapy, pessaries, and minimally invasive surgical procedures.
- Specialists encourage women experiencing symptoms to seek medical evaluation rather than assuming the condition is an inevitable part of aging.
